1991 Toyota MR2: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Toyota MR2: 1 recall, 12 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #91V223000 · 1991 · 26,395 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver's occupant protection system (steering wheel and air bag) exceeds the 60g thorax criterion in NHTSA crash tests.
Why it matters: The occupant protection system does not comply with theenergy absorption requirements of fmvss 208. This reduces the crash protectionafforded by the steering wheel and air bag systems in event of an accident.
The fix: Replace the steering wheel with a modified wheel designed for increased energy absorption.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (3): the most common themes are steering problems (3).
- Latches & locks (2): the most common themes are door / lock issues (2).
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 Toyota MR2 has 12 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 MR2 model years for complaints (2.8× the average MR2 year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 13 years old, at a median of 130,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1992 (1 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Toyota MR2.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1991 Toyota MR2 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 Toyota MR2. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Toyota MR2 problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), steering (3), latches & locks (2).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Toyota MR2 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Toyota MR2 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.